Quesadillas with Roasted Poblanos & Onions (Rajas)

Quesadillas with Roasted Poblanos & Onions (Rajas)

40559848bd75cdab4e59113540445f5e2 small fresh poblano chiles
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro
1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. vegetable oil
1/2 large white onion, thinly sliced lengthwise (about 1-1/2 cups)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Four 8-inch flour tortillas
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 8 oz.)
1/2 cup sour cream

Roast the peppers: Turn a gas burner to high and char the poblanos directly over the flame, turning them with tongs as soon as each side becomes fully blackened, about 6 to 8 minutes per pepper. (If you don’t have a gas stove, you can char poblanos similarly over a hot grill fire or lay them on a foil-lined baking sheet and char them under a hot broiler, turning them with tongs). Immediately after roasting, put the poblanos in a bowl, cover, and set aside to steam and loosen the skins. When they’re cool enough to handle, peel the charred skin off with your hands or a small paring knife. Pull out and discard the stems and seed clusters. Slice the peppers into 1/4-inch-wide strips and put them in a small bowl. Put a baking sheet in the oven and heat the oven to 150°F (or its lowest setting).

Make the rajas: Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a 10- or 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the poblano strips, season with a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are heated through, another 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.

Make the quesadillas: Heat 1/2 tsp. of the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add one tortilla and scatter over it a quarter of the cheese, a quarter of the poblano mixture, and a quarter of the cilantro. When the tortilla smells toasty and the bottom is browned in spots, in 1 or 2 minutes, fold it in half, pressing it with a spatula to flatten it. Transfer to the baking sheet in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make three more quesadillas. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with the sour cream on the side.

Artichoke Bruschetta

Artichoke Bruschetta

Toasty baguette slices are topped with a creamy artichoke spread and then broiled until bubbly in this easy appetizer that’s fancy enough for a party…or for a more casual variation, bake it up as a hot dip instead!

1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened Artichoke-Bruschetta-by-Five-Heart-Home-for-Love-Grows-Wild_700pxHoriz
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (14-ounce) can of artichoke hearts (whole, halves, or quarters), drained & chopped
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic salt
French baguette loaf of bread, cut at an angle into 1/3-inch slices
Fresh chopped parsley or paprika, for garnish

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese until smooth. Blend in mayonnaise and chopped artichoke hearts. Mix in Parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic salt and beat at high speed until mixture is smooth. Preheat broiler to high. Dollop a generous amount of artichoke mixture on each baguette slice and spread all the way to the edges (which will prevent them from burning). Arrange bruschetta on a baking sheet. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until topping is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown. Garnish with chopped parsley or a light sprinkling of paprika, if desired. Serve hot. Alternatively, the artichoke mixture may be spread in a pie plate or similar baking dish and baked at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly (you may broil for a couple additional minutes to brown the top). Serve as a dip with baguette slices, assorted crackers, or tortilla chips.

Fiesta Stuffed Mini Peppers

Fiesta Stuffed Mini Peppers

Fiesta-Stuffed-Mini-Peppers-512-18 Sweet Mini Peppers (halved and seeded)
8 oz. package of Cream Cheese (softened)
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese or shredded Monterrey jack
1 T. lime juice
1 T. fresh cilantro
½ tsp. garlic salt

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Wash and slice the peppers in half long ways. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. In another bowl mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, lime, cilantro, and garlic salt. Spoon or pipe the filling into each of the pepper halves. Place in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Clam & Corn Soufflé

Clam & Corn Soufflé

1 cup crumbled saltinesCHOPCLAM_m
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 can (6-1/2 ounces) minced clams, undrained
2 cups fresh sweet corn OR 1 package frozen whole-kernel, thawed
2 T. minced parsley
2 T. butter or margarine, melted
2 T. finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar or grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine the saltines, milk, eggs, clams, corn, parsley, butter, onion and Worcestershire sauce. Transfer the mixture to an ungreased 1-quart casserole, and top with the cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

Sticky Honey Chicken Drumsticks

Sticky Honey Chicken Drumsticks

6 mediustickym chicken drumsticks (about 120g each)
Dash of freshly ground black pepper

3 T. honey
2 T. light soy sauce
2 T. tomato ketchup
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. sweet chilli sauce
1 tsp. garlic (crushed)
1 tsp. grated ginger

Roasted sesame seeds (optional)

.Remove the papery skin from a clove of garlic. Squeeze the garlic through a garlic crusher. Peel a piece of root ginger and grate it on a fine grater. Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl and set aside. Slash 2 lines on the drumsticks with a knife and season with freshly ground black pepper. Pour the marinade over to coat the drumsticks and transfer all (together with the liquid) to a ziplop bag. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight (for best results). 30 minutes before baking, remove the drumsticks from the fridge. Preheat the oven at 200°C. Place the marinated drumsticks (together with the marinade) on a baking dish and bake for 40 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown, turning (with a pair of tongs) and basting (note 3) the drumsticks every 10 minutes or so. After baking, filter the leftover sauce through a sieve. Pour the sauce over a small sauce pan and simmer until thicken. Pour over the chicken drumsticks and sprinkle the roasted sesame seeds before serving.

Dukkah (Duqqa)

Dukkah (Duqqa)

An Egyptian condiment consisting of a mixture of herbs, nuts, and spices. It is typically used as a dip with bread or fresh vegetables for an hors d’Å“uvre.

¾red-earth-dukkah cup whole blanched almonds
¾ cup hazelnuts
½ cup (scant) coriander seeds
¼ cup cumin seeds
6 T. sesame seeds
Olive oil
Crusty bread slices

Bake nuts at 300º until golden, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Bake coriander and cumin on another small sheet until aromatic, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Transfer to processor; cool. Toast sesame on same sheet about 3 minutes; cool. Blend spice mixture and sesame in processor to coarse powder; transfer to medium bowl. Coarsely grind nuts in processor; mix into sesame-spice mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon oil onto plates. Dip bread into oil and dukkah.

Herb & Spice Crisps

Herb & Spice Crisps

spicecrispsPhyllo Dough, thawed, kept moist under damp towel
Butter, Melted
White Wine
Salt
Various fresh herbs
Spices

Mix liquid butter and white wine at a ratio of 1:1. Cut the dough sheets in squares of approx. 23 cm by 17 cm. Put some of the butter-and-wine-mixture on one half of the sheet. Place small leaves of herbs at the edge of the sheet and salt the coated side. Put the dry half of the dough sheet on the coated half and press both together. Coat one third of the sheet again with the butter mixture and fold it. Now again coat the half of the sheet with the mixture and fold for the last time. Press the sheet layers together and coat the herbal outside of the bar with butter.

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees C with circulating air and bake the bars for approx. 3 to 4 min. on each side. Start with the butter-coated, herb side facing down. When the bars turn golden, remove them from the oven and carefully wipe remaining oil with a kitchen paper from the bar’s surface. If you want the bars to be extremely thin, cut the sheets only half as wide as specified above and omit the first folding step.

Smoked Salmon Gougère with Smoked Salmon Butter

Smoked Salmon Gougère with Smoked Salmon Butter

Salmon Butter:

¾ pound smoked salmon
1 ½ cups butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon pepper
Puree salmon in processor. Blend in remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings. Bring to room temperature before using.

Gougère:

1 cup water
1/3 cup butter, in pieces
1 teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1 cup flour
4 eggs
¼ pound smoked salmon, finely diced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon whipping cream

Bring water, butter, mustard, salt and cayenne to boil. Remove from heat and stir in flour all at once. Mix until dough forms a ball. Place over medium heat and stir until dough is no longer sticky when pinched. Cool 5 minutes. Beat in eggs 1 at a time until dough is smooth. Blend in salmon and Parmesan. Pipe in 1-inch rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Beat egg with cream and glaze tops of puffs. Bake at 425º until puffed, golden and firm, about 25 minutes. Turn off heat and open oven door. Pierce each puff with sharp knife. Let stand in oven 10 minutes to dry. Cut off caps and reserve. Pull out any dough centers. Pipe salmon butter into puffs. Top with caviar if desired or replace caps. Garnish with dill sprigs. Makes about 48.

Sticky Spicy Honey Chicken

Sticky Spicy Honey Chicken

1 pacstickychickenkage of chicken thighs/wings
1 T. sugar
1 T. chili garlic sauce (or any hot sauce)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 T. sesame oil

1 T. ketchup
1 T. honey
1 T. soy sauce
1 tsp. brown sugar or sugar
1 tsp. chili garlic sauce (or any hot sauce)
1 T. minced garlic (if desired)
1 tsp. cornstarch
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green scallions

In a large bowl, mix your marinade of honey, chili sauce, soy sauce and sesame oil. Remove chicken from package and place into bowl, Make sure all pieces of chicken is coated with the marinade mixture. Marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Preheat your oven (or toaster oven) to 375F. Line baking sheet with foil and place chicken pieces on top, making sure that no pieces are directly on top of each other. Place into oven and bake for at least 25-30 minutes or until done. Meanwhile, prepare your sauce. In a separate bowl, mix ketchup, honey, soy sauce, sugar, chili sauce, garlic and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly and place into microwave at 30 sec intervals on high until the sauce begins to thicken. It usually takes around 1 1/2 minutes to 2 minutes. Feel free to baste your chicken a couple times while cooking. Once chicken is done cooking, place into your sauce bowl and toss. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green scallions and serve.

Pancetta and Parmesan Tassies

Pancetta and Parmesan Tassies

8 Tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted but737872ter
4 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 extra large egg
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
4 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch dice, cooked and drained
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
Cayenne pepper to taste

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the flour; beating on low speed until blended. Shape the mixture into 24 balls, place on a parchment lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 1 hour. Lightly grease the wells of a 24-cup mini-muffin pan. Place the dough balls into the cups, pressing on the bottom and up the sides to form a cup; set aside. Preheat the oven to 375º F. In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, egg, and salt. Evenly sprinkle the cooked pancetta into the pastry cups; top with 1 teaspoon of parmesan. Evenly drizzle half-and-half mixture over cheese and sprinkle with chives. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Carefully remove the tassies from the muffin pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool briefly. Serve warm with cayenne pepper to taste. Cooled leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350º F oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy!

Pepper Jelly Palmiers

Pepper Jelly Palmiers

1 pepper-jelly-palmiers-sl-x(17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
Parchment paper
1 cup plus 2 T. finely shredded Parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup hot pepper jelly

Roll 1 pastry sheet into a 12- x 10-inch rectangle on lightly floured parchment paper. Sprinkle with half of cheese, 3 Tbsp. chives, and 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Roll up pastry, jelly-roll fashion, starting with each short side and ending at middle of pastry sheet. Wrap pastry tightly with parchment paper. Repeat procedure with remaining pastry sheet, cheese, chives, salt, and pepper. Freeze pastries 1 to 24 hours. Preheat oven to 375°. Remove pastries from freezer, and let stand at room temperature 10 minutes. Cut each roll into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake, in batches, 20 minutes or until golden. Microwave pepper jelly in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 minute. Spread 1/2 tsp. pepper jelly onto each palmier. Serve immediately.

Fried Garlic Cheese Sticks

Fried Garlic Cheese Sticks

tumblr_mq7wg1qs0g1sw6uino1_4001-½ pounds Monterey Jack cheese
30 cloves fresh garlic
4 cups peanut oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups French bread crumbs
3 tablespoons chopped, fresh parsley
1 small jar Marinara sauce or homemade Marinara sauce

Slice cheese into 30 slices, about ¼-inch thick. Peel garlic and slice each clove lengthwise into about 6 ovals. Heat oil in deep, heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic ovals and simmer 5 to 7 minutes, being careful not to burn or brown cloves. Remove slices as they float to surface and are light brown in color. Drain on paper towels. Reserve oil for cheese. Mince garlic and mix with Italian seasoning. Spread half the cheese slices evenly with garlic mixture. Press remaining cheese slices on each to make 15 bars. Dip flour coated pieces into egg, and then into bread crumbs mixed with parsley. Be sure to cover sides. Reheat oil to medium-high heat and fry cheese in oil a few pieces at a time until lightly browned (takes about 2 minutes). Skim particles from oil as they accumulate. Drain cheese on paper towels and keep warm until they are all fried. Serve with toothpicks and Marinara sauce for dipping. Makes about 30 pieces

Chicken in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

Chicken in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

Saucechx
12 T. cold unsalted butter, cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces, divided
2 T. finely chopped yellow onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1⁄3 C. Pinot Grigio
3 T. fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt
Pepper
1/4 C. capers, rinsed

Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (or use cutlets)
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 C. flour
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

8 oz. angel hair pasta, cooked and drained

Cut the chicken breast halves horizontally, butterflying them open. Pound chicken pieces with a meat hammer to 1/4-inch thickness. Mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Dredge chicken cutlets in the flour mixture, until well coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Add chicken and brown well on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and reserve to a plate. Cover with aluminum foil and keep warm in the oven while you prepare the sauce. Melt 1 T. of the butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds. Add the wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until the liquid is reduced to about 2 T., about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to its very lowest setting. Slowly whisk in butter, one piece at a time, letting the first addition melt before adding more butter. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in capers. To serve: Place cooked pasta on plate or pasta bowl. Top with chicken and spoon sauce over chicken and pasta.

Baby Back Ribs (Oven Recipe or finish on Grill)

Baby Back Ribs (Oven Recipe or finish on Grill)

9a5ad8b6d70a1b289095b08db9c37912One rack of pork baby back ribs
Juice of one lemon
1/4 cup dry rub (your own or my recipe)
1/2 cup barbeque sauce (your own or my recipe)

Preheat oven to 300° F. Remove excess fat from ribs. Peel the silver skin off the back of the ribs – lift with a sharp knife and grab with a paper towel to remove. Cut ribs apart into individual pieces. Rub ribs all over with lemon juice. Coat ribs with dry rub. Place meat side down in large baking pan, & cover tightly with foil, shiny side out. Bake in the oven for 2 1/2 hours. Remove from oven & pour off liquid. Brush bbq sauce over all sides of ribs. Grill: To finish ribs on the grill, remove from the pan and place ribs on the grill (I use a basket over direct but low heat) basting and turning a few times for about 10 minutes. Oven: To finish ribs in the oven, set oven to broil and return ribs to the same oven rack, basting and broiling about 5 minutes per side, watching so they don’t burn. They will be so tender, it’s best to turn them using gloved hands.

Where’s the Crust Pizza

Where’s the Crust Pizza

crust
Crust
1 (8 oz) package of full fat cream cheese, room temperature
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 C. grated parmesan cheese

Topping
1/2 C. pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
toppings – pepperoni, ham, sausage, mushrooms, peppers
Garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. With a handheld mixer, mix cream cheese, eggs, pepper, garlic powder and parmesan cheese until combined. Spread into baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow crust to cool for 10 minutes. Spread pizza sauce on crust. Top with cheese and toppings. Sprinkle pizza with garlic powder. Bake 8-10 minutes, until cheese is melted.

KFC Extra Crispy

KFC Extra Crispy

1 whole frying chicken, cut upec
6−8 cups shortening

Coating:
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 cups all−purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon MSG
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/8 teaspoon Baking Powder

Trim any excess skin and fat from the chicken pieces. Preheat the shortening in a deep−fryer to 350 degrees. Combine the beaten egg and milk in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl, combine the remaining coating ingredients (flour, salt, pepper and MSG). When the chicken has marinated, transfer each piece to paper towels so that excess liquid can drain off. Working with one piece at a time, first dip in egg and milk then coat the chicken with the dry flour mixture, then the egg and milk mixture again, and then back into the flour. Be sure that each piece is coated very generously. Stack the chicken on a plate or cookie sheet until each piece has been coated. Drop the chicken, one piece at a time into the hot shortening. Fry half of the chicken at a time (4 pieces) for 12−15 minutes, or until it is golden brown. You should be sure to stir the chicken around halfway through the cooking time so that each piece cooks evenly. Remove the chicken to a rack or towels to drain for about 5 minutes before eating.

KFC Buttermilk Biscuits

KFC Buttermilk Biscuits

1/2 cup butterKFC-buttermilk-biscuit-recipe
1/4 cup club soda
1 beaten egg
3/4 cup butter milk
1 teaspoon salt
5 cups Bisquick Biscuit Mix

Preheat the oven to 450F. Combine all of the ingredients. Knead the dough by hand until smooth. Flour your hands Pat the dough flat to 3/4−inch thickness on waxed paper and punch out biscuits with a biscuit cutter. Bake on a greased baking sheet for 12 minutes, or until golden brown, brush with melted butter when they come out of the oven. Makes 18 Biscuits.

KFC BBQ Baked Beans

KFC BBQ Baked Beans

2 15−ounce cans small white beans (with liquid)4a15b160400c7d4448131a0ed8183df3
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons white vinegar
4 teaspoons minced fresh onion
2 pieces cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
dash pepper
dash garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour entire contents of two 15−ounce cans of beans into a covered casserole dish. Combine the water with the cornstarch in a small bowl until cornstarch dissolves. Stir mixture into the beans. Stir the remaining ingredients into the beans and cover the dish. Bake for 90 minutes or until sauce thickens. Stir every 30 minutes. Let beans sit for
5 to 10 minutes after removing them from the oven before serving.

Apple Chunk Cake

Apple Chunk Cake

1 1pc07 fresh apple cake/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 egg
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 cups apple (diced, chunks)
1/4 cup applesauce
2 cups apple (sliced, to place on cake)

Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, mix sugar, oil and eggs together. Beat well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Add to egg batter and mix well. Add apple chunks and applesauce to the batter. Stir to combine. Coat a baking pan with vegetable oil spray, and pour in batter. Bake until done, about 1 hour. Place apple slices on top of apple cake and serve.

Yield: 12 servings
Calories: 240
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 2g

Parmesan Chicken Strips

Parmesan Chicken Strips

cs8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fat-free Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon chili powder or Hungarian paprika or to taste
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the chicken into 1-inch strips. Mix the cheese, chili powder, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Dip the chicken in the egg and coat with the cheese mixture. Arrange the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and light brown, turning once. Serve with fat-free ranch salad dressing, if desired.

15 Ways to Doctor (15oz.) Frozen Peas

15 Ways to Doctor (15oz.) Frozen Peas

sweet-peas1. Add ¼ C. sautéed minced shallot to cooked peas.
2. Sauté a small diced red bell pepper in butter. Fold into cooked peas.
3. Cook a packaged rice blend, mix together with cooked peas.
4. Add 10oz cooked, drained frozen spinach and a quarter C. butter sautéed onions to cooked peas.
5. Add thawed but uncooked peas to a baby lettuce salad. Dress with mustardy vinaigrette and shaved parmesan.
6. Cooked peas + salt + butter + 2 T. chopped fresh mint
7. Cooked peas + diced ham or crumbled cooked bacon
8. Toast a handful of sliced almonds or pine nuts; fold into cooked peas.
9. Cook peas in 2 C. of chicken stock. Add 2 T. chopped tarragon or chervil. Add peas and stock to food processor and blend, adding a quarter C. of heavy cream
10. Mix thawed peas with 10oz. refrigerated prepared alfredo sauce and a handful of chopped ham. Fold into a pound of cooked fettuccini and serve.
11. Mix thawed peas with a C. of steamed sugar snap peas. Add red bell pepper strips and chopped scallion. Dress pea salad with blue cheese dressing.
12. Fold thawed peas into potato salad
13. Add thawed peas to egg salad. Spread on wheat bread, cut into tea sandwiches and garnish with watercress
14. Puree thawed peas, 1 ½ C. chicken stock, some minced onion, chopped cucumber and 2 T. plain nonfat yogurt in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper and serve as a cold soup. Garnish with additional yogurt
15. Thawed peas + minced onion + cucumber cubes + cilantro + plain nonfat yogurt seasoned with a little cumin

Burrata Crostini

Burrata Crostini

½burrataovenroas_1355515167 C. Baby Arugula
4 oz. Cherry Tomatoes
¼ lb. Buffalo Mozzarella Ball
2 T. Ricotta Cheese
¼ C. Heavy Cream
2 French Baguette ( 12 Slices each )
Black Pepper
¼ C. Kosher Salt
Kosher Salt, to taste
2 T. Canola Oil
1 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 qt. Water

You can use store-bought burrata if you can find it. Often, burrata is expensive and has a very short shelf life. This homemade version is a good alternative. Make sure to use fresh mozzarella. The burrata is best if left to set overnight. Allow to chill for at least 2 hours. Also make the oven-roasted tomatoes the day before if you can, then assemble just prior to serving.

A recipe for 4 should require 20-24 crostini.

Line sheet pan with parchment paper. Cut tomatoes in half and place on prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remove mozzarella from refrigerator. If it is not already in slices or smaller balls, cut cheese into 2 inch pieces. Allow to come to room temperature. Slice each baguette crosswise into 1/4 inch thick pieces to measure the indicated amount, or 6 slices per person. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place tomatoes in oven and roast for [30-40 minutes]. Tomatoes should start to dry out and become shriveled. Add water and salt to medium saucepan and bring to 190 degrees. Remove salt water from heat and add mozzarella balls. Allow to sit for 3 minutes. Use kitchen tongs if water is too hot and remove 1 ball at a time from the pot. As each ball is removed, the cheese should be soft enough to easily pull into strings. Cut each string into thumbnail-sized pieces and place in a medium mixing bowl. Add cream and ricotta to mixing bowl with cheese curds. Mix to combine. Mixture should resemble cottage cheese. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Transfer tomatoes to small mixing bowl; cover and chill while burrata is setting. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add canola oil and warm. Prepare a plate with layers of paper towels. Set plate near the stove for the toasted baguette. Once oil is hot, add the baguette slices. Oil should sizzle when you add the bread. Do not crowd the pan. Cook until the crostini are golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Only cook one side. Transfer to the plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt while warm. Assemble no more than an hour prior to serving so crostini stay crisp. Layer crostini with a leaf of arugula and a teaspoon of burrata, and garnish with a tomato. Place burrata crostini on serving tray. Enjoy!

Broccolini Salad with Burrata Cheese

Broccolini Salad with Burrata Cheese

4e0a9ebc7b139f268ffb1ce2882f0aea2 pounds broccolini
3 large cremini mushrooms, about 2 inches in diameter
1 red onion (I used a red spring onion)
1 C. black Cerignola olives (available at Whole Foods’ olive bar)
1/2 C. Sherry Vinaigrette (recipe below)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 8-ounce burrata cheese
Extra virgin olive oil
Fleur de sel

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (1 C. of Kosher salt to each gallon of water). Prepare an ice bath. Set a cooling rack over a baking sheet and line the rack with paper towels. With a paring knife, cut off the thick ends of the broccolini stalks and peel the remaining stalks. Blanch the broccolini in batches in the boiling water until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to the ice bath to stop the cooking, and drain on the paper towels. Cut off the stems of the mushrooms flush with the caps and discard. Cut the caps into paper-thin slices using a Japanese mandoline or other vegetable slicer or by hand, and transfer to a small bowl. Cut the onion in half through the equator. Slice one half of the onion into paper-thin rings on the mandoline. Select about 20 of the nicest rings, and reserve the remaining onion for another use. Cut the flesh of the olives away from the pit. Lay the pieces cut-side-down and cut lengthwise into thin slices. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Line up the broccolini stalks side by side on the parchment paper (this will allow you to dress and season the broccolini evenly), drizzle with about 1/4 C. vinaigrette, and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss the mushroom slices with about 2 T. of the vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper (do not overdress the mushrooms). Cut away the top nub of the burrata and put it in a shallow serving bowl that just holds it. Holding a pair of scissors vertically, snip an X into the top of the burrata, reaching the soft center. Open the top slightly and drizzle olive oil over and around the cheese. Sprinkle with fleur de sel and pepper, and place on a serving platter. Arrange the broccolini, mushrooms, olives, and onions on the platter.

Sherry Vinaigrette: Whisk together 1/4 C. sherry wine vinegar and 1/4 C. red wine vinegar, and then whisk in 1 C. extra virgin olive oil. The vinaigrette should look broken – do not emulsify. Refrigerate in a covered container for up to one month.

Herb Crusted Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

Herb Crusted Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

2 B5f916f9eb57cb64b138224e996082306oneless Skinless Chicken Breasts; pounded thin
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup Progresso Garlic & Herb Bread Crumbs
2 teaspoons ‘Perfect Pinch’ Roasted Garlic and Bell Pepper Seasonings
1 teaspoon freeze dried chives
3 Tablespoons butter
3 cloves of garlic; minced
1/2 cup Chicken Broth
1/4 can of Italian diced tomatoes; drained and finely chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese blend
2 Tablespoons freeze dried (or fresh) basil
Dash of fresh ground black pepper

Place bread crumbs, Roasted Garlic and Bell Pepper Seasoning and freeze dried chives in a shallow bowl; mix thoroughly. Place milk in a separate shallow bowl. In a skillet, heat butter on medium heat. Meanwhile, pound chicken flat and thin for even cooking (if you haven’t done so already). Dip the chicken in the milk, then coat with crumb mixture. Cook chicken in butter until browned and cooked through (about ten minutes). Remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to loosen browned parts from the pan. Stir in cream and tomatoes; bring to a boil and stir for one minute. Reduce heat to low; add Parmesan cheese, basil and a dash of pepper, stir sauce and cook until heated through and thickened. (About 5 minutes) Serve by pouring the sauce over the chicken. For added flair, serve the chicken and sauce over cooked pasta.

Rotini with Prosciutto and Sugar Snap Peas

Rotini with Prosciutto and Sugar Snap Peas

Salt
8oz rotini
1 T. olive oil
4oz prosciutto, diced
1/2 C chopped red onion
1 C heavy cream
1 8oz pkg (1 C.) fresh sugar snap peas
Grated Parmesan cheese
Black pepper

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt, if using, and stir in the rotini. Reduce the heat to medium-high and cook the rotini, uncovered, until al dente, 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prosciutto and onion, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring, until the onion is soft, 3 minutes. Pour in the cream, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer, stirring often, until it has reduced slightly, 2-3 minutes.
After the rotini has cooked for 5 minutes, add the sugar snap peas to the pot and cook them until they turn bright green and are crisp tender. Drain the rotini and sugar snaps well in a colander, shaking it a few times to remove any water that might still cling to the pasta. Return the rotini and sugar snaps to the pot. Spoon the sauce over them and stir to coat the pasta well. Serve at once with Parmesan cheese and pepper on the side.

Coronado Breeze Cocktail (Lakeshore Punch)

Coronado Breeze Cocktail (Lakeshore Punch)

2 ½ C. pear vodka (Grey Goose or Absolut)lakeshore-punch
2 C. pear nectar (such as Kerns)
1 ½ C. St. Germain Elderflower liqueur
1 C. freshly squeezed lime juice
½ large cucumber
½ bunch fresh mint (plus more for garnish)
1 C. water
1 lime to make twists
Ice
Garnish: Mint sprigs and lime twists

Mint Water: Combine 1 C. water with ½ bunch fresh mint in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Turn off heat and let macerate for 10 minutes. Strain and allow strained mint water to cool. Cocktail: Cut the cucumber into thin slices and place in pitcher. Add vodka, pear nectar, Elderflower liqueur, lime juice and mint water. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Pour into lowball glasses filled with ice. Garnish with cucumber slices from the pitcher, fresh mint and a lime twist.

Jack-O-Lantern Pie

Jack-O-Lantern Pie

Crexps159642_UH2464847C03_16_2bust:
1 3/4 c. flour
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Pumpkin spice
2/3 c. butter
4 – 6 T. Cold water

Filling:
1 c. cooked pumpkin
3/4 c. sugar
Pinch of salt
2 eggs
1 c. milk
1 T. Flour

Stir flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon and pumpkin spice in a bowl together using a fork. Cut butter into mixture until a crumbly texture. Add water, 1 T. at a time until moistened. Form dough ball in your hands. Place in a slightly floured surface and roll into a circle. Place on a pie plate, removing excess from rim using a knife. Save excess. Crimp piecrust around the edge.

Put all ingredients into a blender and blend thoroughly. Pour into piecrust. Sprinkle with cinnamon if you wish. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 – 35 minutes or until set (middle will shake just slightly). Decorate pie with baked cut outs when first taken out of the oven. Cool on wire rack.

Decoration: Using the remaining piecrust, form a small dough ball. Roll out on slightly floured surface, into a circle. Cut shapes to decorate your pie. Brush pieces with egg wash. If you wish, brush on yellow food coloring and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Prick shapes with tip of fork. Place cut outs on a piece of foil and bake beside pie until golden brown. When pie is finished baking, gently press the baked shapes onto pie.

Fig Preserves with Root 80 Proof Spirits

Fig Preserves with Root 80 Proof Spirits

8 cups fresh figsfigpreserves1edited
3 cups water
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups sugar
Zest 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup ROOT 80 Proof Spirits (optional)

Put figs in a large bowl, mix 2 cups water with baking soda in a large measuring cup. Pour soda water mixture over figs, press figs into water to remove debris then rinse with cold water. Cut figs into small pieces. In a large stockpot add figs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1 cup remaining water. Cook over medium high heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pot from heat, puree mixture with an immersion blender until smooth. Return to heat, bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and process hot mixture again with immersion blender until thick and creamy (resembles very thick applesauce). Add 1/2 cup ROOT 80 Proof Spirits, stir to blend. Return to heat and cook additional 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Ladle hot preserves into sterilized jars, cover jars with cleaned lids and rims, process in a hot water bath for 15 minutes. Allow preserves to cool, store in a dry dark place.

Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Basil Chutney

Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Basil Chutney

Can060315_GrilledPorkChops_PeachBasilChutney_Recipe_Hero_Dola Cooking Spray
3 ripe peaches, peeled, halved
¼ cup bourbon or other whiskey
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 ½ teaspoons Salt, divided
1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper, divided
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
4 Center Cut Pork Chops

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Coat grill with cooking spray. Place peaches cut side down and cook until lightly charred, approximately 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, coarsely chop. In a small pot over medium heat, add the peaches, bourbon, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper and lemon juice. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer until thickened, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in basil. Meanwhile, sprinkle pork chops with remaining salt and pepper. Grill until internal temperature reaches 145°, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Top with peach chutney

Pork Chops Veracruz II

Pork Chops Veracruz II

1/4 C. bacon fat
1 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
6 thick pork chops
2 tsp. dry mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 C. dry white wine
3/4 C. freshly squeezed orange juice
1 1/2 C. thinly sliced onions
2 green peppers, cored, seeded, and cut into strips

Heat the bacon fat and add the garlic. Cook, stirring, but do not brown. Smear the pork chops with the mustard and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brown on both sides in the bacon fat and add the wine and orange juice. Cook over low heat until the sauce is slightly reduced. Add the onion slices and green pepper. Cover the pan. Continue cooking over low heat until the chops are tender, for one to one and a half hours. If desired add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, with rice.

Cuban Picadillo with Chiles and Raisins

Cuban Picadillo with Chiles and Raisins

Picadillo-Stuffed-Chiles-Rellenos31 T. olive oil
1 pound ground beef round
1/2 C. chopped onion
5 cloves garlic, sliced
2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 C. dry red wine or water
1/4 C. raisins
2 tsp. dried oregano
Salt and black pepper
1/4 C. sliced pimiento-stuffed green olives, optional (see note)
2 tsp. drained capers, optional (see note)

Pour olive oil into a large deep skillet or 4-quart saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring and breaking up the lumps of beef, until beef browns all over, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, wine or water, raisins and oregano. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover pan, and let the picadillo simmer until it thickens, 15 to 20 minutes. Spoon picadillo onto plates (or over yellow rice) and garnish it with green olives and capers, if desired. The green olives and capers can be cooked with the beef and tomatoes, but the Dinner Doctor finds that children don’t care for them and use them as a garnish instead. You can also serve this Cuban equivalent of sloppy Joes in pitas.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 432
Fat: 23g
Fiber: 3g

Ways to Doctor a Can of Tuna

Ways to Doctor a Can of Tuna

tumblr_lz7pg8dRX81qdei8m1. Combine tuna with a drained can of cannellini bean; chopped onion, celery and fresh parsley; olive oil; and fresh lemon juice. Serve with crusty bread.
2. Flake the tuna with a little olive oil to make it moist. Serve it over salad greens with steamed green beans, hard-cooked egg, anchovies and an oil and vinegar dressing.
3. Make a fast tuna spread by pureeing the tuna with black olives, salt, pepper, and an oil and vinegar dressing.
4. Add chopped hard-cooked egg and fresh tarragon to tuna, using mayonnaise to bind it.
5. Fold in sweet or dill pickle relish into tuna, add a dab of mayonnaise, and serve it on sturdy white bread.
6. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice – my mother’s surefire trick for freshening up canned tuna.
7. Add a handful of any chopped fresh herb—basil or chervil, for example—and enough mayonnaise to make the tuna moist.


8. Turn leftover tuna salad into an easy tuna melt by spooning it onto slices of bread and topping it with shredded cheese. Broil until bubbling.
9. Put the tuna on slices of bread and top it with roasted red bell pepper strips. For a stupendous tuna melt, blanket everything with Monterrey Jack cheese before broiling
10. Add olives—any olives, such as stuffed green olives, chopped kalamata, or oil-cured French olives.
11. Mix in diced pickled jalapeno peppers and a dollop of mayonnaise. Sprinkle the tuna with a little cumin before serving.
12. Stir chunks of mango, mayonnaise, and a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice into the tuna.
13. Heat marinara sauce in a medium-size saucepan, stir in the tuna, then serve it on top of pasta with drained capers.
14. Add chopped water chestnuts or diced jicama to tuna for maximum crunch. Use mayonnaise to moisten it.
15. Blend drained tuna with a little softened cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, and chopped scallions for an easy sandwich spread
16. Make Tuna Croquettes. Mix 7oz. tuna with 2 diced scallions, 2 tsp. Dijon mustard, 1 tsp. lemon juice, 2 large eggs (beaten), ¼ C. panko bread crumbs and salt and pepper to taste. Divide into 8 portions on a sheet pan and rest 15 minutes. Coat each round with additional panko bread crumbs and cook in EVOO, 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden. Remove to wire rack set over paper towels; cool a few minutes and serve.
17. Heat in a pan with a little lemon pepper
18. Open a can of high-quality tuna and heat its oil in a skillet over medium heat. Mix in garlic, parsley, and lemon peel. Add tuna, gently breaking it up, and add a pinch of dried crushed red pepper. Toss the tuna with al dente spaghetti and enough pasta cooking liquid to moisten. Top with toasted breadcrumbs and herbs. No cheese necessary.
19. Add a can of tuna to cooked elbow macaroni, fresh grated carrot, chopped green onion, and mayonnaise. Add thawed frozen peas, if desired. Mix everything together and keep it in the fridge for all day and night snacking.
20. Take eight canned piquillo peppers and trim off the last quarter inch to even them out, reserving the trim and juices from the tin. In a sauté pan, sweat minced carrot and leek (about 2 T. each) in olive oil with salt until tender. Dice the piquillo trim and add to the warm carrot and leek mixture. Add reserved Piquillo juices. Add sliced scallion and pinch of dry marjoram or fresh thyme. Add 2 tsp. Sherry vinegar and fold in a can of good quality tuna with its packing oil. Bring to a simmer and pour mixture into a fine mesh colander fitted over a container to catch the vinaigrette. Stuff previously trimmed peppers with the tuna mixture and serve warm or chilled with reserved vinaigrette spooned over top.
21. Hard cook 6 eggs, cool and cut in half. Flip the yolks out into a small bowl. Add 1/4 C. mashed or flaked tuna, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 2 T. butter at room temperature, minced garlic ( 1/2 garlic clove pushed through a press and minced), 1 T. mayonnaise. Mix well. Season with fresh lemon juice and a few drops of red pepper sauce. Spoon back into the egg white halves, mounding the stuffing. Top each egg half with a caper.

Lemon Fluff

Lemon Fluff

e718bce3bbae6bd5aaa49c16a9704b761 box Lemon Jell-o (3 Ounces)
1-¾ cup Very Hot Water
¼ cups Lemon Juice
1 cup Sugar
1 can Evaporated Milk (12 Ounces), Chilled
2-½ cups Vanilla Wafers, Crushed

Combine the Jell-o, hot water, lemon juice, and sugar in a mixing bowl and stir until Jell-o is dissolved. Chill till partially set, about 1 hour. Just before Jell-o is set, pour the chilled evaporated milk into a large mixing bowl and whip until stiff peaks form. Fold together with Jell-o mixture. Pour 2 cups of vanilla wafer crumbs into the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch pan. Top with Jell-o mixture, then sprinkle with remaining vanilla wafer crumbs. Chill until set; a minimum of two hours, but best if allowed to chill at least 4 hours.

Blueberry-Pumpkin Seed Energy Bars

Blueberry-Pumpkin Seed Energy Bars

BlueberryEnergyBarsPlatedsquare1 C. sliced almonds
1 C. rolled oats
1/3 C. pumpkin seeds
¼ C. flaxseeds
2/3 C. muscovado or dark brown sugar
½ C. honey
4 T. unsalted butter
½ tsp. salt
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
½ tsp. cinnamon
2 C. puffed rice cereal (I used Kashi 7 Whole Grain Honey Puffs)
½ C. dried blueberries
½ tsp. lemon zest

Preheat the oven to 350° F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Spread the almonds, oats, pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds on the sheet and bake until fragrant, about 8 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, honey, butter and salt to a boil over moderate heat. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved and a light brown caramel forms, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and cinnamon. Drizzle the caramel all over the nut-and-oat mixture. Stir in the puffed rice, blueberries and lemon zest until evenly coated. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, extending the paper over the side. Scrape the cereal mixture into the dish and spread into an even layer. Cover the mixture with a second sheet of parchment and press down to compress it. Let stand until firm, about 2 hours. Discard the top piece of parchment. Using the overhanging paper, lift out the cereal square and transfer it to a work surface. Cut into 12 bars and serve. To store, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and eat within a few days or freeze.

Chicken Khao Soi

Chicken Khao Soi

Chicken-Khao-Soi-1024x768Khao Soi Paste

4 large dried New Mexico or guajillo chiles, stemmed, halved, seeded
2 medium shallots, halved
8 garlic cloves
1 2-inch piece ginger, peeled, sliced
1/4 C. chopped cilantro stems
1 T. ground coriander
1 T. ground turmeric
1 tsp. curry powder

Soup

2 T. vegetable oil
2 14-ounce cans unsweetened coconut milk
2 C. low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, halved lengthwise
1 pound Chinese egg noodles
3 T. (or more) fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)
1 T. (packed) palm sugar or light brown sugar
Kosher salt
Sliced red onion, bean sprouts, cilantro sprigs, crispy fried onions or shallots, chili oil, and lime wedges (for serving)

Place chiles in a small heatproof bowl, add boiling water to cover, and let soak until softened, 25-30 minutes. Drain chiles, reserving soaking liquid. Purée chiles, shallots, garlic, ginger, cilantro stems, coriander, turmeric, curry powder, and 2 T. soaking liquid in a food processor (I used a Vita-Mix), adding more soaking liquid by tablespoonfuls, if needed (I needed about 6 T. total), until smooth. Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add khao soi paste; cook, stirring constantly, until slightly darkened, 4-6 minutes. Add coconut milk and broth. Bring to a boil; add chicken. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is fork-tender, 20-25 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Let cool slightly; shred meat. Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions. Add chicken, 3 T. fish sauce, and sugar to soup. Season with salt or more fish sauce, if needed. Divide soup and noodles among bowls and serve with toppings.

Pressed Coppa Sandwiches with Broccoli Rabe Pesto

Pressed Coppa Sandwiches with Broccoli Rabe Pesto

1 po51154940und broccoli rabe (rapini)
Kosher salt
6 garlic cloves, smashed
1/4 C. olive oil
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 C. finely grated Pecorino
2 tsp. honey
8 slices country-style bread
8 ounces thinly sliced provolone cheese
4 ounces thinly sliced sweet coppa or prosciutto
Olive oil (for skillet)

Cook broccoli rabe in a large pot of boiling salted water until bright green, about 30 seconds; drain; transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain; squeeze out water; cut into 1-inch pieces. Combine broccoli rabe, garlic, oil, and red pepper flakes a large skillet. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until broccoli rabe is very soft, 40-50 minutes. Let pesto cool slightly. Mix in Pecorino and honey. Build sandwiches with bread, provolone, coppa, and broccoli rabe pesto. Brush a large skillet with oil and heat over medium-low heat. Working in batches and brushing skillet with oil as needed, add sandwiches to pan, cover with foil, and place a heavy skillet on top. Cook until bread is toasted and cheese melts, 4-5 minutes per side (you can also use a lightly oiled panini press).

Fat Smash Turkey Tacos

Fat Smash Turkey Tacos

2 whole wheat tortillas
1 T. shredded low fat cheddar cheese
1 T. light sour cream
1/4 C. dark red kidney beans
1 T. diced jalapeno peppers
1/2 C. shredded iceberg lettuce or cabbage
1/4 C. chopped onion
1/2 C. diced tomatoes
1 T. taco seasoning mix
1 T. olive oil

Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and ground turkey and cook until brown. (If you’re using leftover white meat, cook onions until translucent then add the chopped up turkey meat to heat up.) Add tomatoes, chilis, taco seasoning and undrained kidney beans. (I’ve been told that the “juice” in canned beans can give you gas, so you may want to drain and rinse the beans, then add about 1/4 to 1/2 C. of water.) Cover pan and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Warm the tortillas in oven or zap them for 15 seconds in the microwave. If you’re using corn tortillas you can gently warm them up in a pan or right on top of the burner. Fill tortillas with meat mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, shredded cheese and sour cream before serving.

Yield: 1 serving
Calories: 546
Fat: 18.2g
Fiber: 7.7g

Mock Chicken Marbella

Mock Chicken Marbella

1/2 C. bottled bIMG_3505-e1290141282523alsamic or red wine vinaigrette
1/4 C. store-bought olive tapenade
2 cloves garlic, crushed in a garlic press
1 tsp. dried oregano
3 bay leaves
1/2 C. pitted prunes
1¼ lbs. chicken tenders (about 16), rinsed and patted dry
1/4 C. packed light brown sugar
1/4 C. white wine
6 C. cooked rice or couscous, for serving

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F. Place the balsamic vinaigrette, tapenade, garlic, oregano, bay leaves, and prunes in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Fold in the chicken tenders. Transfer the mixture to a glass 13- by 9-inch baking dish and arrange the tenders so they are in one layer. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the tenders and pour the wine around them. Bake the chicken until the juices bubble and the chicken has caramelized on top, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Serve the chicken warm with rice or couscous or chill it and serve it cold.

15 Ways to Doctor a Caesar Salad Kit

15 Ways to Doctor a Caesar Salad Kit

00221. Add canned anchovies and a poached egg to each serving.
2. Bake frozen popcorn chicken and scatter over the salad while it’s still hot.
3. Top each serving with a portion of grilled salmon.
4. Surround salad with halved cherry tomatoes and top with fresh basil.
5. Marinate chicken pieces in bottled Caesar dressing. Grill chicken and add to salad (use separate dressing, discard marinade).
6. Serve salad with pre-cooked shrimp and fresh mango.
7. Add grated lemon zest and 1 T. drained capers to the dressing.
8. Top with roasted asparagus and roasted red pepper strips.
9. Wrap raw shrimp with prosciutto; grill and arrange on top of salad.
10. Toss salad with diced cucumbers and pickled pepper strips; top with cleaned crabmeat.
11. Stir olive tapenade into the dressing.
12. Add 1 T. Dijon mustard to the dressing.
13. Fold a drained flaked can of tuna into the salad and garnish with oil-marinated green olives.
14. Toss salad with 3 C. of hot cooked penne pasta and pass extra grated Parmesan at the table.
15. Fold cubed avocado into the salad and season the dressing with a little chili powder and fresh lime juice.

BBQ Apricot Pork with Cheddar and Scallion Grits

BBQ Apricot Pork with Cheddar and Scallion Grits

BBQ Apricot Pork with Cheddar and Scallion GritsFor the pork:
1 tsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 28-oz can chopped tomatoes, drained
1/3 C. apricot jam or preserves
1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
kosher salt
black pepper
pork rib ends (I don’t remember exactly how much I used, it was one package with four pieces in it. That was enough for two servings.)

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes, jam, vinegar, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly. Arrange the pork in a baking dish and season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour the BBQ sauce over the pork and roast until it is cooked through, about 1 hour.

For the grits:
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 c grits (not instant or quick cooking)
1 c (4 oz) grated white cheddar
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. unsalted butter

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 1/4 C. water and the salt to a boil. Whisking constantly, slowly add the grits in a steady stream. Reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, until the grits are thick and creamy, 15 – 20 minutes. Add the cheese and stir until it melts. Add the scallions, pepper and butter and stir.